Ryan Giggs delivered a clear analysis of Marcus Rashford's situation at Manchester United
Marcus Rashford of Manchester United celebrates with Assistant Manager Ryan Giggs.
Ryan Giggs was there to witness Marcus Rashford's United debut(Image: John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Ryan Giggs has been vindicated in his belief that Marcus Rashford is rediscovering his love for football after parting ways with Manchester United.
The 28-year-old last donned the red jersey for his childhood club in December 2024, before being sidelined from the first team by Ruben Amorim just a month into the Portuguese manager's tenure. A loan move to Aston Villa was then approved during the January transfer window.
His performances did pick up at Villa Park, leading to his inclusion in Thomas Tuchel's inaugural England squad, but Unai Emery decided against making his temporary stay a permanent arrangement.
Despite returning to Old Trafford in the summer, it was a brief homecoming as he secured a season-long loan to Barcelona. The forward has shown glimpses of his former self in Spain, contributing 15 goals and assists in 17 matches across all competitions thus far.
Rashford confessed last year that he needed a change of scenery, and Giggs concurred that leaving United was the right decision for him. The club icon, who celebrates his 52nd birthday today, was Louis van Gaal's assistant when Rashford made his United debut at the tender age of 18, back in 2016.
The Welshman was in the dugout as Rashford scored twice on his full debut in a 5-1 home triumph over FC Midtjylland in the Europa League. It was during Giggs' guest appearance on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast earlier this year that he dismissed the idea of Rashford returning to United when questioned about the possibility.
Ryan Giggs watching Marcus Rashford in training
Ryan Giggs watched Marcus Rashford make his debut for Manchester United almost 10 years ago
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"No. I don't think he looked happy at United," Giggs told his former team-mate. "I think he looks happier now. I just don't. Which is a shame because obviously I'd seen him as a part of the staff when we'd given him his debut."
When asked what advice he would offer Rashford if he were part of Amorim's coaching team, the ex-United skipper highlighted concerns about the striker's commitment levels, emphasising that supporters will not tolerate players who fail to give maximum effort.
"First of all, he's got to work harder," Giggs said. "I talked about no matter what position on the pitch you are, you sprint back as quick as you sprint forward, and aesthetically, it didn't look great. Especially if the team ain't doing well.
Marcus Rashford celebrating for Barcelona
The England star has rediscovered his form at Barcelona
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"Because fans will forgive you for missing a chance. They won't forgive you for not working hard enough. They just won't. Because they can do that. They can sprint. Everyone can. But then also, what I talked about, you know that he can play up there.
"He's done it everywhere. He's done it on the biggest stage. It's hard from looking outside to in. But it looked like he's not enjoying it. And you've got to enjoy it. Especially flare players, attacking players. Because that's your best moments. When your confidence is high, you're trying things.
"Don't always come off. But play instinctively and play like you did when you were younger. Freedom." Despite Rashford showcasing some of his finest football in recent years, it's still uncertain whether his rapport with Amorim can be mended ahead of a potential return to Manchester next summer.